Finance

Make Style Count

Picture the scene. Arcadia are planning to open a new store in Amsterdam.

Finance are working out staff costs, taxes, rent, the price of research, and ultimately, how we’ll make money. This is Arcadia Finance, where accountants get closer to the business.

You’ll get to know our products and the trends that affect their sales. Because Finance, really, are the gatekeepers of the business. Every big decision goes through them. And because you’re assessing the risks and opportunities for every department, you really get to feel the impact you have on the company.

In practical terms, you’ll get hands-on with the other functions while on your programme. As a Finance Analyst you’ll rotate roles approximately every 12 to 18 months between areas such as International, Property, Brand Finance and Logistics: you tell us, what does it cost to ship a container of products from China? Day to day, you’ll plan, report, and forecast sales. Plus you’ll come up with new ideas for processes and reporting. You’ll give commercial advice to other departments. And you’ll adapt internationally, getting to grips with how regional attitudes shape our performance.

But don’t be fooled by the relaxed atmosphere – we take your career seriously. We’ll support you through your CIMA or ACCA qualification, with sponsorship for tuition fees, study leave and an experienced mentor. It’s no coincidence that 15 of 18 of our most senior Finance staff in London joined as graduates or newly qualified accountants.

So if you’re a budding accountant who cares about more than numbers, join us, and make your style count.

Why are we selling more this Easter than we did last year? You’ll get a buzz out of finding the answers, because you get a kick out of making money. You’re all over the data: the Picasso of Excel. And whatever’s happening next year, it’s already on your radar. Because you know that numbers are more than just numbers: they decide our future.

The Application Process

Take our online maths test, so we can evaluate the skills you’ll need. See our hints and tips for more on the Maths test. We’ll email you with a link.

Take a video interview. If you're successful in your maths test, we’ll email you a link to kick this off. It's not as daunting as it sounds: see helpful tips below!

Meet us in person. For the final stage you’ll be invited to join our assessment centre day packed with a variety of activities and assessments: from our maths test, to commercial exercises to one-to-one interviews. For now, don't worry about the details: we’ll give you heaps more info on this stage when you get there!

Application Tips

Do your homework on us: both Arcadia and the specific role you’re applying for.

Tailor your application. Be ready to say why you want to work for us and why you’ve chosen the role.

Check your written application. Then check it again! Accuracy and grammar matter.

The video interview

All of the above! And…

Choose your surroundings carefully.

Look into the camera. Make eye contact. Be confident.

Choose an appropriate plain background so you're the centre of attention.

Be ready and alert the moment the video starts.

Speak clearly and show us your personality.

Relax and be yourself.

The online maths test

The maths test gives you an insight into the type of challenges you’re likely to encounter working in Finance.

Be sure to take your time to understand what the question is asking you to do.

Have a calculator, and some scrap paper to hand, for working things out.

To succeed on our Finance programme, you need to be comfortable with maths-based problems. Take your time, and if the questions are offputting, maybe take a look at our Merchandising opportunities – the maths tests are less complex.